Peacham , VT – Paul L. Chandler, 57, died Tuesday, August 15, 2017, following a very sudden illness, in Utica, NY, while traveling.

Paul was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, November 17, 1959, the son of Maurice Franklin and Ruth (Bartlett) Chandler.  He graduated as Valedictorian of his Class of 1977 of Blue Mt. Union School.  He attended the University of Vermont, graduating with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Science. He was a member of the AGR Fraternity while at UVM.

Paul was the pastor of the First Congregational Church of East Hardwick since 2006.  He had been a self-employed farmer, sugarmaker, and for the past eleven years, he worked for St. Johnsbury Auto Companies as their warranty underwriter.  He was the co-owner of Chandler Heirlooms along with his wife, Susan.

Paul was a graduate of the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training and was ordained by the NACCC through his mentor, Rev. Dr. Robert A. Potter on April 7, 2013.   His ministry was most important to him.  Paul was committed to assisting young folks with their lives through ministering, nurturing, caring and kindness.  He became a father figure to several young people: Lindsay Baden, Nick Potter, Amber Lowell, and Kristen Alexander who died July 30, 2016.

Paul was active in his community as a member of the Peacham Congregational Church where he had been a member of the choir and a deacon. As a history buff, he was particularly fond of Peacham and other local history.   He enjoyed farming, sugaring, haying, and watching Star Trek and the New England sports teams.  Most important to Paul, was caring for his family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Chandler on July 28, 2003, and Maurice Chandler on October 18, 2011, and a brother-in-law, Robert Blake on December 9, 2012.

Paul is survived by his wife, Susan (Scholtz) Chandler of Peacham, VT, to whom he was married on November 1, 2008; two children, Marc "Mica" Chandler and husband Jonathan Forrest and Lindsay Chandler and wife Tamicka and their children, Madison, Dakota, and Muguette; two sisters, Gloria J. Chandler and husband Francis L. Keith, III of Pittsford, VT and Patricia N. Blake of West Rutland, VT; and a brother, Alan M. Chandler and wife Donna of Georgia, VT; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Tom Galinat and family.   He is also survived by his best friend of forty years, and AGR brother George "Sack" Spaulding, childhood friend Frank Goss and his sister Ann Goss, and his First Congregational Church family in East Hardwick.

Calling hours will be on Friday, August 25, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street Woodsville, NH.

A memorial service will be on Saturday, August 26, at 1 PM at the Peacham Congregational Church, 56 Church Street, Peacham, with Rev. Dr. Robert A. Potter, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the First Congregational Church of East Hardwick, PO Box 142, East Hardwick, VT 05836 or to the Peacham Congregational Church, PO Box 205, Peacham, VT 05862.